“Why should I read the Bible?” It’s just a book written by a bunch of people a million years ago. It doesn’t have any relevance to my life:” I can certainly understand why some people might say that. But according to the ELCA’s constitution, the Bible plays an important role in our confession of faith:  ”This church accepts the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of its proclamation, faith, and life.” (Section 2.03) “This church confesses the Gospel, recorded in the Holy Scripture and confessed in the ecumenical creeds and Lutheran confessional writings, as the power of God to create and sustain the Church for God’s mission in the world.“ (Section 2:07)

The Word of God, then, is an important tool in our faith life. The Word of God gives us the language of our faith, and fluency in (and familiarity with) that language allows us both to hear God more clearly and to speak God’s Word more effectively in our own words and works. If we are afraid to talk to others about our faith, reading and studying the words of scripture is a good place for us to start putting together a conversation: If we are afraid to talk to others about God or to debate beliefs because “we don’t know our Bible very well,” then we can begin changing that scenario by opening up its pages. 

But where or how shall we start? The first step is to get a Bible. The New Revised Standard Version is what we use in our worship, but if you still cling to your King James Version and don’t mind all the “these” and ”thous” then stick with it, Remember that there are both translations and paraphrases of the original Biblical texts: so be sure you know what you are reading.  (Translations will be closest to the original texts: while paraphrases are more novel-like, designed for easier reading.) Or, if you’re not a reader or don’t have time to sit down with book in hand, then get the Bible on tape, CD or for download on your ipod and Listen away! 

Not sure where to start reading? Start with something you know, something familiar, like the Easter stories in the gospels, or the parable of the Good Samaritan or parable of the Prodigal Son. Read these stories as if you are reading them for the first time, and then see where it takes you. See what you learn anew about an old story: Then tackle something unfamiliar. 

Looking for a good love story? The bible is full of them: (There’s even a bit of “racy’ love language in the Song of Solomon:) If action-packed thrillers are your cup of tea, the Old Testament has enough for your summer reading. Do you feel in need of a “how to” book on discipleship? The parables of Jesus and Paul’s letters are your ticket. Do you have some doubts about the whole Jesus story? You’ll find lots of company, even among Jesus’ most loyal followers. Some books of the Bible can be read in 10 minutes or less. Check out 1 and 2 Peter, Titus, Philemon, or 1,2 and 3 John. 

The Word of God does not simply convey information (though it does that too): It is meant to engage us. The Bible is full of questions. Here are just a few.

·        Am I my brother’s keeper? (Genesis 4:9)

·        If God is for us, who can be against us7 (Romans 8:31)

·        What is truth? (John 18:38)

·        Where shall I go from your spirit? (Psalm 139:7)

·        And who is my neighbor? (Luke 10:29)

·        What must I do to inherit eternal life? (Luke 10:25)

·        If another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times? (Matthew 18:21)

The Bible is full of questions. How we engage these questions, and even how we answer them, says a lot about our faith. So I would encourage you to dust off your Bible and start reading. Study and pray over it. Wrestle with its contents. Listen to its questions, arid begin to ask questions of your own. This is faith work at its best.

So far the Christian Education Committee has planned two Bible study series. Both will be led by me, one during the summer, and one starting in September. Look for information elsewhere in the newsletter. We are hoping that others will be formed as there is interest. We are especially looking for lay leadership. There are lots of resources to help you, and every good teacher knows that you learn more from teaching than just being a student!

The Bible is the living Word of God. We have to continue to live it and to interpret it. Come to the pages of scripture with empty hands and an open head. Gods message for us will be there.

Pax,

Pastor Gwenn